Ekiti Court Arraigns 37 Environmental Law Violators.

 

Dayo Adewale

An Ekiti Magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti has on Saturday, 29th April, 2023 arraigned 37 persons that violated the environmental law of the state. The arrest and prosecution was made during the April edition of monthly environmental sanitation exercice.

In her ruling, Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele stated that the violators were guilty of the charges against them and consequently sentenced them to a month imprisonment with an option of five thousand naira fine.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Babatunde Alokan said that stiffer penalty will continue to be melted on violators of environmental laws in Ekiti State, particularly on last Saturday of every month which is set aside for the exercise.

Alokan reiterated that the government would not relent in its effort at punishing the offenders while sensitization through media would also be prioritized to promote sanitary compliance among the people.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry also stated that arrangement has been concluded to meet a Local Government Officials and Market Women on the need to always maintain hygienic environment to reduce the tendencies of outbreak of diseases.

In his remark, the General Manager, Ekiti State Waste Management Agency, Mr. Ayoola Osalusi berated the attitude of residents of the state to waste disposal urged the people to stop indiscriminate dumping or refuse in drainages and by the roadside.

Also speaking after the exercise, the General Manager, State Environmental Protection Agency, Engr. Olu Kayode Adumo urged residents of the state to continue to disait drainages to avoid flooding most especially areas that are water lodged.